New Mexico United States
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LottoMike, I've been thinking more about this idea of yours of racing miniature dogs on a small track.
I think it's a great one with a lot of possible variations.
For instance, I once saw a Yorkshire Terrier back out of a hole in the dam of a stocktank with his teeth locked into the arse end of a skunk. Ran backward maybe 50 yards, but never turned loose of that skunk until he just had to for the sake of trying to get some oxygen into his lungs.
Made pretty good time, too.
I'm thinking a good variation might be backward skunk racing. The fans would love it.
I'd have paid a C-note just to have seen it again over the last 20-30 years. If I saw it on television I'd buy whatever they were advertising.
I also have an idea for miniature Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but I'll save it for a later post. Needs some work.
New Mexico United States
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Quote: Originally posted by Rick G on Aug 5, 2006
Jack, you are in rare form today. I like the chihuahua racing concept and Jimmy Sand is the man to put it all together.
How a breeder handles or abuses his dogs is his problem, not a problem of the sport. If you know someone abusing an animal report them to the anti-cruelty society. There are laws against it. A jockey just got suspended from racing for head butting a horse.
My cat's like racing each other around the house. Dogs race each other every day at our parks. Come to think of it, what mammal doesn't like running with its own kind? Maybe animals inherently like to race. I know that humans do. I don't see anything cruel about racing per se.
To answer Mike's question, I've been to the chihuahua races once and discovered I did better with horses.
Hi Rick. Glad you liked Mike's idea.
Here's one he hasn't posted yet, but I hope he won't mind me passing it on, doing a pre-emptive strike on him.
Everyone knows the dog called an Afghan is actually just a homosexual Irish Setter.
So, Mike's figuring on getting a dozen miniature male Afghans and miniature male Irish Setters for this event.
They muzzle the Irish Setter and make sure it's a high fence around the track. They turn the miniature Irish Setter loose a couple of minutes ahead, so's he's sniffing around bushes unsuspecting.
Then they turn those unmuzzled Afghans loose..... they get a bead on a muzzled male, off they go.
The first one that catches him, or the last one finished, I don't know.... maybe they both count as winners.
But the Irish Setter's always the loser, bigtime. Don't put your bets on that one.
Wandering Aimlessly United States
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"Dogs race each other every day at our parks. Come to think of it, what mammal doesn't like running with its own kind? Maybe animals inherently like to race. I know that humans do. I don't see anything cruel about racing per se." Rick G
Rick, in my 700+ posts, I've rarely been obstinate and try not to argue. So all I can say is "do your homework" if you think you know anything about greyhound racing. Did you know that it is illegal in at least 34 states and considered cruel and inhumane? There are bills currently in 2 more which will prohibit racing greyhounds. Only 15 states still allow dog racing and FL is the worst offender. Do you really think it's just because someone kicked his dog? Don't be naive.
Dogs are breeded by the tens of thousands and then the puppies that don't made the grade are killed, many on the breeding farm. Then those who are selected spend the next 3 years in stacked crates for up to 20 hours every day, usually wearing muzzles. Many of the tracks have no climate controls and the animals live in terrible conditions. If they make it to age 3 or 4, they're too old to race and then destroyed. There are numerous documented cases showing greyhounds shot or electrocuted. Many starve to death in their pens. Injured racing dogs are sent by the truckload to be euthanized at veterinary offices (if they're lucky) or sold to research laboratories. Sure some responsible trainers try to fight the system and do their best to help their dogs. But when profit is the bottom line, many take the easy way out and to save money, bludgeon them to death or just shoot them.
This isn't the same as taking your dog to the park to play. Greyhound racing used to be for fun in this country. Now it's turned into hard core gambling. Remember when going to a little league game was a fun, family outing? Well then we all grew up and professional sports became big business. Now baseball, football and even olympic athletes feel they have to pump their bodies full of steroids to be bigger, faster, better to keep the edge. So if these men who have choices do this to their own bodies, what do you think happens to helpless animals?
Sorry this is poorly written. I'm very tired. Jack is right. We are all hypocrites, including me. However, it doesn't mean we need to look the other way when something is so wrong.
Pa United States
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Just answer to your question. It does not cost anything to go to the dog races. It only cost you if you bet on them.
I am a animal lover also and it is not cruel to race the dogs. And they are treated good. It is the minds of some people on this earth that treat them cruel. Remember there are a lot of sick people living on this earth not only to animals but to human beings to.
Michigan United States
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>Did you know that it is illegal in at least 34 states and considered cruel and inhumane? There are bills currently in 2 more which will prohibit racing greyhounds. Only 15 states still allow dog racing and FL is the worst offender. Do you really think it's just because someone kicked his dog? Don't be naive.
It is illegal because it is gambling not because of being inhumane. In many of those States, the horse racing lobby kept them out because of competition.
Also, many of the greyhounds are later sold to become family pets. It is not as gruesome as you make it out to be. There are veterinarians that check the dogs and there are State laws to protect them as well. Greyhound racing doesn't have the purses that Thoroughbred Racing does and doesn't have anywhere near the appeal. And neither can be compared to the big money involved in Football, Baseball, et al.
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Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Aug 7, 2006
"Dogs race each other every day at our parks. Come to think of it, what mammal doesn't like running with its own kind? Maybe animals inherently like to race. I know that humans do. I don't see anything cruel about racing per se." Rick G
Rick, in my 700+ posts, I've rarely been obstinate and try not to argue. So all I can say is "do your homework" if you think you know anything about greyhound racing. Did you know that it is illegal in at least 34 states and considered cruel and inhumane? There are bills currently in 2 more which will prohibit racing greyhounds. Only 15 states still allow dog racing and FL is the worst offender. Do you really think it's just because someone kicked his dog? Don't be naive.
Dogs are breeded by the tens of thousands and then the puppies that don't made the grade are killed, many on the breeding farm. Then those who are selected spend the next 3 years in stacked crates for up to 20 hours every day, usually wearing muzzles. Many of the tracks have no climate controls and the animals live in terrible conditions. If they make it to age 3 or 4, they're too old to race and then destroyed. There are numerous documented cases showing greyhounds shot or electrocuted. Many starve to death in their pens. Injured racing dogs are sent by the truckload to be euthanized at veterinary offices (if they're lucky) or sold to research laboratories. Sure some responsible trainers try to fight the system and do their best to help their dogs. But when profit is the bottom line, many take the easy way out and to save money, bludgeon them to death or just shoot them.
This isn't the same as taking your dog to the park to play. Greyhound racing used to be for fun in this country. Now it's turned into hard core gambling. Remember when going to a little league game was a fun, family outing? Well then we all grew up and professional sports became big business. Now baseball, football and even olympic athletes feel they have to pump their bodies full of steroids to be bigger, faster, better to keep the edge. So if these men who have choices do this to their own bodies, what do you think happens to helpless animals?
Sorry this is poorly written. I'm very tired. Jack is right. We are all hypocrites, including me. However, it doesn't mean we need to look the other way when something is so wrong.
Dogs are breeded by the tens of thousands and then the puppies that don't made the grade are killed, many on the breeding farm.
Have you ever asked yourself what happens to bull-calves on a dairy farm?
Then those who are selected spend the next 3 years in stacked crates for up to 20 hours every day, usually wearing muzzles.
Greyhounds must be the only animal on earth that runs faster and performs better without a lot of workouts and conditioning. Exercise. Fresh air.
Many of the tracks have no climate controls and the animals live in terrible conditions.
My cats live in an un-climate controlled enviroment, indoors and outdoors. Have done so all their lives, and sometimes it gets hot. Sometimes it gets cold. Happens to most wild creatures, too. And I've never seen a rabbit care how hot it was trying to run from a coyote, nor a coyote chasing it wiping its forehead and showing signs of wishing for climate control.
If they make it to age 3 or 4, they're too old to race and then destroyed. There are numerous documented cases showing greyhounds shot or electrocuted. . . But when profit is the bottom line, many take the easy way out and to save money, bludgeon them to death or just shoot them.
There's a strong likelihood every piece of red meat you've ever eaten came from an animal that was tapped between the eyes with a sledge-hammer (bludgeoned), shot between the eyes with a .22, or just had its throat slit. I don't agree with the way they do it in slaughter houses, getting them all upset ahead of time, but otherwise its a fast, clean, effective way of ending the life of an animal, if its time for that animal to die.
Injured racing dogs are sent by the truckload to be euthanized at veterinary offices (if they're lucky) .
I've never allowed a vet to kill one of my pets, and I have no respect for anyone who does. Transporting them gets them agititated. They don't get to go out calm and easy. One of the responsibilities the animal lovers ought to feel is the obligation to help them die easy and in the company of a friend to help them along. The suggestion there's something wrong with any method of doing it that allows for that is absurd.
In a pinch I've held a dying pet in my arms a while, grasped the hind legs and swung it quickly against a tree to pulverize the skull. It's quick, easy on the animal and if it needs doing right now with the tools at hand it's as good a way as any.
Having said that, I refuse to concede that you, or anyone else on this forum, in this nation, on this earth has more respect and love for animals than I do.
New Mexico United States
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Then those who are selected spend the next 3 years in stacked crates for up to 20 hours every day, usually wearing muzzles.
Justx, I think you need to do some thinking of your own about what you're saying here.
A lot of lies get told in the name of providing mindless hysteria for pushing an agenda. I suspect you've been told some you believe.
If I were raising racing hogs I'd have them out training them every day, conditioning them.
People I know who raise fighting roosters train them, spar them against lesser birds. Condition them.
Horses, also.
People I've known who raised pit bulls for fighting who wouldn't lift a finger to do anything good for an animal if it weren't for their vested interest take care of them when it's to their advantage. Fighting pit bulls get plenty of exercise and training, running in runs, learning to kill other lesser dogs.
What you've asserted here sounds as though it's patently untrue for practical, not humane reasons.
Wandering Aimlessly United States
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Quote: Originally posted by Rip Snorter on Aug 7, 2006
It hasn't happened that I can see.
Just a civil discussion of an issue people disagree about. Civil discourse ain't a sign of ruffled feathers.
My feathers aren't ruffled, but I am tired. So maybe we should put this issue to rest. I don't mind discussing an issue like this, but when people disagree so strongly, it doesn't accomplish too much.
"Also, many of the greyhounds are later sold to become family pets. It is not as gruesome as you make it out to be. There are veterinarians that check the dogs and there are State laws to protect them as well. Greyhound racing doesn't have the purses that Thoroughbred Racing does and doesn't have anywhere near the appeal. And neither can be compared to the big money involved in Football, Baseball, et al."
TrueCritic, the number of dogs adopted is very small compared to those that have to be destroyed. Also, they are bred primarily for racing and many are killed at the puppy farm before they ever get a chance. You are absolutely correct about the purses and I totally agree that the big money in Football isn't involved in Greyhound Racing. However, that's exactly my point. There isn't enough money to care for these animals. Regarding the agenda of those who vote to ban the sport, I never viewed the HSUS as a radical group like PETA. I don't think they are anti-gambling, only anti-cruelty. If you read the news articles in reputable local papers that report the abuse of these animals, including hundreds dying from heat, starvation or abuse, you'd know that the state laws do not always protect them. As you said it "doesn't have anywhere the appeal" so maybe that's why nobody seems to care.
Not as gruesome as I make it out to be?
15 MALNOURISHED GREYHOUNDS SEIZED BY MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE The dogs were found penned in a field without adequate food and shelter. The bodies of four dead greyhounds were found under a tarp, along with dead puppies that had been tossed into a plastic tub. The ex-racing dogs had been acquired from local breeders for use as rabbit dogs. The live dogs were taken to a veterinary clinic where they were picked up by a local adoption group. The property owner, Delroy Reed who turned himself in on April 15th, has been charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty.
Source: Greyhound Network News, Spring 2004; Muskogee Phoenix, April 13, 2004
BRUTAL LURE DEATH AT DAIRYLAND "WJS Larkana" and "Glo's K Peabody" were involved in a collision around the first turn; "Peabody" suffered a broken leg from the collision. Larkana became disoriented and fell into the lure pit where she suffered electric shock from the live rail and was then hit by the lure motor, severing two of her legs. The Greyhound Protection League filed a complaint with the Wisconsin State Gaming Association based on Dairyland's long standing high injury rate and the track's apparent unwillingness to stop the lure to avoid such catastrophes.
Source: Associated Press, June 11, 2004; Kenosha News, June 12, 2004; GPL Complaint and injury statistics
NEW ALABAMA LAW REDUCES THE INHUMANE KILLING OF GREYHOUNDS FROM A FELONY TO A MISDEMEANOR David Whetstone, the Baldwin County District Attorney, who is prosecuting the Rhodes' greyhound-killing case, weighed in on the effect of a new law that passed through the Alabama legislature. Whetstone said his interpretation of the statute, a misdemeanor imposing escalating fines beginning at $500, is that it exempts racing greyhounds from a 3-year-old law that makes the torture of animals a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. "It's dog-specific. There's no doubt that it would exclude the "Gucci Law", or the Alabama animal cruelty law, as it applies to greyhound dogs," he said. "It effectively reduces the greyhound dog to a beast of burden... A junkyard dog has more protection than a greyhound dog under this statute."
Source: Mobile Register, June 26, 2004
TESTIMONY LINKS GREYHOUND KILLING TO FLORIDA DOG TRACKS During an April, 22 Baldwin County hearing related to the Rhodes case, investigators for the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering testified that Robert Rhodes was known from one end of Florida to the other among people in the dog-racing industry. Kennel owners and trainers from as far away as South Florida sent greyhounds to Rhodes's farm to be killed. Dog-men found the service attractive because the $10-per animal cost was about half what a veterinarian would charge for euthanasia. Thursday's testimony was the first time Baldwin County officials have detailed publicly how widespread they believe the practice is in the Sunshine State. District Attorney David Whetstone commented to the Mobile Register: "This case shows what was going on in the greyhound racing industry in Florida. It opens up the eyes to how sinister it was." Florida authorities are waiting for the outcome of the Alabama case before pursuing charges against the Florida defendants for transporting greyhounds over state lines for the purpose of killing them.
Source: Mobile Register, April 23, 2004
TWO RACING GREYHOUNDS DIE OF HEAT EXHAUSTION IN HAULER Kennel operator Marshall Rae admitted to hauling 40 greyhounds from Oregon to Oklahoma in mid-summer without stopping to check on the dogs. The two greyhounds that lost their lives during the 36 hour ordeal were disposed of in a shallow grave. Rae was suspended from racing for 90 days and ordered to pay $250 in fines by the Oregon Racing Commission.
Source: The Oregonian, February 3, 2004
WEST VIRGINIA APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS VERDICT ON GREYHOUND DEATHS Kansas greyhound breeders, Michael and Terry Kraft, filed suit after losing 14 dogs to heat exhaustion when an air conditioning unit failed in the make-shift trailer/kennel that housed race dogs boarded at a Girty's Point dog farm. An Ohio County jury had rendered a verdict that the ZEZ Kennel and the Wheeling West Virginia race track were at fault in the death of more than 60 greyhounds that perished and awarded the Krafts nearly $1 million in compensation. The Krafts, who were the only dog owners to file suit have been shunned by others in the industry for taking legal action.
Source: The Intelligencer Wheeling News-Register, September 26, 2003, News 9-Wheeling, October 2, 2003
and from my local paper:
RACING AT NAPLES-FORT MYERS DOG TRACK TURNS DEADLY A three-year old female, Plinko Drive, hit the rail in the 6th race on November 1st after a collision with another dog. Her front leg was severed and she lay in pain for over an hour before she was euthanized because no vet was present for the day's races. The 7th race yielded another tragedy when Solitary Hattie broke her leg with no immediate veterinary intervention. She was also euthanized upon orders from her owner who told the Naples Daily News that "he wouldn't be upset if no veterinarian was there....the greyhound industry is under unfair scrutiny."
Source: Naples Daily News, November 4, 2003; The News-Press, November 5, 2003;
I left out the really bad ones where the dogs were found starved to death or where they were filmed being electrocuted while they screamed. It's called "The Mexican Hot Plate"
Wandering Aimlessly United States
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"People I've known who raised pit bulls for fighting who wouldn't lift a finger to do anything good for an animal if it weren't for their vested interest take care of them when it's to their advantage. Fighting pit bulls get plenty of exercise and training, running in runs, learning to kill other lesser dogs."
Sorry I wrote too much before, mostly cutting & pasting the last part. I just read this comment and all I can say is I can't understand how you can love animals and approve of bloody fighting and pit bull fighting. It's training animals to fight to the death for our entertainment. They use bait dogs and often use raccoons and rabbits and other helpless, caged animals who live in fear while they are torn to shreds. These dogs cannot possibly be loved by their owners. Anyway, why would someone enjoy seeing a "lesser" dog get his neck torn off? It's barbaric!
OMG! It's 4 in the morning. This is why I need to stay off the internet. See ya later guys!
Michigan United States
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justxploring
No one likes to hear about incidents of that type. Our news has similar strories about all kinds of animals other than greyhounds. Why single out greyhounds? These things are caused by individuals. The majority of pet owners treat their animals with love and proper care. That would include the ones involved with greyhound racing. There are laws that protect animals and unfortunately these things continue to happen. You cannot sanitize the world.
Any group that has as its mission to destroy at least 3 industries, I would say is radical. HSUS (according to their site) wants to destroy the fur trade, greyhound racing, hunting preserves. They also want to stop research involving great apes. Sorry, I don't care to help their cause.
New Mexico United States
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Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Aug 8, 2006
"People I've known who raised pit bulls for fighting who wouldn't lift a finger to do anything good for an animal if it weren't for their vested interest take care of them when it's to their advantage. Fighting pit bulls get plenty of exercise and training, running in runs, learning to kill other lesser dogs."
Sorry I wrote too much before, mostly cutting & pasting the last part. I just read this comment and all I can say is I can't understand how you can love animals and approve of bloody fighting and pit bull fighting. It's training animals to fight to the death for our entertainment. They use bait dogs and often use raccoons and rabbits and other helpless, caged animals who live in fear while they are torn to shreds. These dogs cannot possibly be loved by their owners. Anyway, why would someone enjoy seeing a "lesser" dog get his neck torn off? It's barbaric!
OMG! It's 4 in the morning. This is why I need to stay off the internet. See ya later guys!
Justx:
You obviously didn't read my post. No big deal.
I'm able to know people who raise fighting chickens and dogs without approving of what they do.
I'm able to recognize they aren't starving the animals they fight for money and sport without loving their use of the animals. These people aren't necesarily demons, stupid, or crazy. They're just callous wretches who happen to gravitate toward that outlet for their grimness more directly than do the remainder of us.
The selectiveness of your concern about human callousness and ruthless willingness to use any creature badly for a nickle of profit or a penny saved at the grocery market is something we all share.
I was merely pointing out the one you happen to have attached to you.